Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1887-10-03

N'S - - OaiASA 10 Ills WIG anu StoNNi-
in-law, Il am tired of Cecil Finch
without even having seen him. The
dogged pertinacity of the English
diplomats does them credit"
Parkins, who was handling "A dish
of sweets at the time, started 50 vio-
lently that the dish almost dropped
from his fingers.
This did not escape Mr.. Madison,
but he said nothing. Afterwards,
however. he remarked to his wife
''If am not mistaken, Parkins knows
something about Cecil Finch"
In day or two a third letter, bear
ing the Washington postmark arrived
for Mr.. Madison. 1t said: Strange
as it may appear, we should be glad
if you would interrogate the man
whom you call John Parkins as to
the whereabouts of Mr.. Finch. Tell
him that your reason for asking is
that Cecil Finch has come into a title
and fortune by the unexpected death
of his uncle
Mr.. Madison was now thoroughly
excited. What if his butler were
the new lord in masquer ade? He
laughed to himself as he pictured the
faces of his wife and sister when they
should hear the news.
1t so happened that this last letter
had been sent to Mr.. Madison's
house, and it was there that he read
it. His wife was out with Sylvia.
His decision was quickly formed.
He touched the bell. Parkins APP
peared, calm and correct as he was in
his best moments. when there was
nothing to disconcert him.
''Parkins," said his master, ''did
you ever happen to hear of an En-
glish gentleman, called Cecil Finch?'
"Yes sir" said the butler. Il
think heard you mention his name,
sir, at dinner night or two ago"
"Have you ever seen him.
''Yes, sir, in Wyoming, sir"
''It would be a good thing for him,
Parkins," said Mr.. Madison, careless
", ''if you could find him."
"How so, sir?' said the young
man, changing color a little.
''He has just come into his uncle's
title and estate; and he can't be
found"
'By Jove! Is Lord Grimsmead
dead:" cried the butler, in voice
very different from his usual guarded
one.
before he had si4lio 20 pull himself
togeV--- a --I,-1oOize, NJ 4raai--.,
pounced upon him.
"Look here. Mr.. Finch - he said
quite sternly, ''you are no butler
Your name isn't Parkins Why did
you lie to me:'
''No, Mr.. Madison" said the man.
Il am not a butler, and my name
isn't Parkins, and lie is not a word to
use among gentlemen -
'But hang it, Parkins-Finch-
whatever you are, ! can't realize
quite yet that you are not what
thought you five minutes ago. And
think ] have perfect right to know
why you have imposed on me this
way" said Mr.. Madison, still irate.
''Of course you have,' said Mr..
Finch. late John Parkins. "The
story is simply this: was pretty
well down on my luck, after having
tried ranching and failed, as many a
cleverer man than | am had done be-
fore. | was too proud to 90 home.
There was no one Of whom ] could
borrow. and / hadn't a penny. / saw
your advertisement in the paper and
applied for the situation. ! hadn't
an idea that you'd take me, but ! was
touched by your confidence, Mr.. Mad
ison, and I've done the very best ]
could for you. / remembered the
old butler at home, and / tried TO
model myself on him.
The other night you thought. no
doubt, that was drunk. ! wasn't,
but the man who sat next to Mrs.
Madison was fellow who knew me
well at Oxford ten years ago"
Both men had been standing while
they talked. Madison read candor
and integrity in the handsome face
Of the other.
''Sit down, Mr. Finch" he said.
''and tell me the rest"
81 would rather stand, thank you"
said Finch. "How do you know
that / am telling you the truth! Is
my Oxford friend in town YETI"
81 believe So" said Mr. Madison. I
"Win you 90 there with me and |
get me identifedy" asked Finch. /
Then he added, smiling a little. II |
believe I've got one pretty decent /
coat"
About six O'Clock the ladies came I
home. The parlor was full of spring /
twilight.
"Why are no lamps lighted| ask
ed Mrs. Madison. ''Where's Park
ms; ] never knew him 10 be 80 care
less"
She rang the bell sharply. II was
answered by her maid.
ssWhere Is Parkinsr" Mrs. Nadi- 4
son demanded.
"Gone out, mas with Mr. Mad 4
ison," said the maid, demurely.
"With Mr. Madison How extra